NEW YORK(April 10, 2016) – In the second meeting between the two sides this season, the Chicago Fire (1-1-3, 6 points) battled New York City FC (1-1-3, 6 points) to a 0-0 draw on Sunday evening at Yankee Stadium.
Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic saw his side extend its unbeaten streak to four games while posting a third consecutive clean sheet. The Fire have now held the opposition without a goal for 356 minutes, the second-longest shutout streak in club history and just 39 minutes shy of the Chicago Fire record (395 minutes, July 4-Aug. 9, 2009).
Goalkeeper Matt Lampson recorded a career-high eight saves, including a pair of stops on NYCFC captain David Villa, who first looked to get on the board in the 29th minute with a curling, right-footed shot from just inside the 18-yard box, which Lampson punched to safety while diving to his left.
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Villa again threatened in the 38th minute when he latched onto the end of an Andrea Pirlo corner kick and unleashed a right-footed volley on frame, but Lampson again was in position to clear it from the danger zone.
The Fire appeared to have broken the stalemate in the 60th minute. Midfielder Michael Stephens swung in a free kick from the left flank and found Gilberto, who flicked his header toward goal. Rookie defender Jonathan Campbell latched on and sent a diving header past NYCFC 'keeper Josh Saunders into the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed when nearby teammate Johan Kappelhof was deemed to have been offside at the time of Gilberto's deflection.
The Men in Red did well to absorb the attack as NYCFC continued to press in the waning moments of the match, including in the 84th minute when Villa attempted to chip the ball into goal. Lampson raced off his line to meet Villa on the breakaway and preserve the shutout with a reaction save.
Veteran defender Michael Harrington reached a milestone in the game by making his 200th career start in Major League Soccer, which have come while representing Kansas City, Portland, Colorado and Chicago. Additionally, rookie Alex Morrell made his MLS debut as an 84th-minute substitute.
Next up, the Men in Red return home to host the Montreal Impact on Saturday, April 16 at 4 p.m. CT (CSN Chicago Plus/97.5 FM Poder). Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling 888-MLS-FIRE.
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MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (1-1-3, 6 points) 0:0 New York City FC (1-1-3, 6 points)
April 10, 2016 – Yankee Stadium
Attendance: 22, 930
Scoring Summary:
N/A
Misconduct Summary:
NYC - Ronald Matarrita (caution) 54'
CHI - Nick LaBrocca (caution) 86'
Chicago Fire: Matt Lampson, Rodrigo Ramos, Johan Kappelhof, Jonathan Campbell, Michael Harrington, Arturo Alvarez (John Goossens 56'), Matt Polster (Nick LaBrocca 81'), Michael Stephens, Kennedy Igboananike, Razvan Cocis ©, Gilberto (Alex Morrell 84')
Subs not used: Brandon Vincent, Patrick McLain, Joao Meira, Eric Gehrig
Shots: 8; Shots On Goal: 0; Saves: 8; Fouls: 12; Corners: 2; Offsides: 7
New York City FC: Josh Saunders; Frederic Brillant, Jason Hernandez, Andoni Iraola, Ronald Matarrita, Thomas McNamara, Mix Diskerud (Kwadwo Poku 90'+1), Andrea Pirlo (Federico Bravo 72'), Patrick Mullins (Tony Taylor 66'), Steven Mendoza, David Villa (C)
Subs not used: Mehdi Ballouchy, Eirik Johansen, Diego Martinez, Shannon Gomez
Shots: 19; Shots On Goal: 8; Saves: 0; Fouls: 14; Corners: 4; Offsides: 1